The fashion industry is constantly evolving and innovating to meet the changing needs and preferences of consumers. However, it also faces the challenge of reducing its environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future. In this context, choosing the right materials is crucial for creating fashion products that are not only stylish and comfortable but also responsible. One such material is Bemberg™, a brand of cupro, regenerated cellulose fiber, produced by Asahi Kasei. Cupro is a sustainable and innovative material made from cotton linter, a raw material that is pre-consumer material. In this blog, we will explore the environmental benefits, versatility, and significance of Bemberg™ yarn in
fashion.
Environmental Benefits of Bemberg™ Yarn
Bemberg™ is a regenerated fiber made from cotton linter, which is the short fiber that grows near the seeds of the cotton ball. Asahi Kasei recycles cotton linter into a valuable resource for producing Bemberg™ yarn. This process reduces the reliance on non-renewable resources such as petroleum and conserves the environmental resources.
Bemberg™ is also biodegradable and compostable, meaning it can return to nature without releasing hazardous substances. It has attained the “OK Biodegradable MARINE” certification, which verifies that Bemberg® filament can be biodegraded and is safe for the growth of marine organisms, even in marine environments where microorganisms are scarce and biodegradation is difficult. This helps to reduce the risk of microplastic pollution and protects marine ecosystems.
Sustainable Production System
One of the key features of Bemberg™'s sustainable production system is its closed-loop approach. This system allows for the recovery and reuse of major chemicals used during production. By embracing this circular economy concept, Bemberg™ reduces environmental footprint while promoting the reuse of valuable resources.
Since the foundation, Asahi Kasei have been in the business of transmitting electric power from their own hydroelectric plants, and currently own nine power stations with a maximum total output of 56,380 kW. These, along with the four thermal power plants, provide in-house supply of around 90% of the power used by their operations in the region of Nobeoka and Hyuga. These plants also harness clean electricity to power the manufacturing processes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon dioxide emissions. By continuously improving the efficiency of these generators, Bemberg™ aims to further minimize its environmental impact. Since 2012, biomass power generation has been utilized to increase the company's renewable energy ratio. To further increase the ratio of clean energy, in addition to the hydroelectric plants, Asahi Kasei began power generation using biomass fuel in 2012. In September 2020, the company initiated the conversion of their 3rd coal-fired thermal power plant, which was completed in 1971 with a capacity of 34,000 kW, into an LNG-fired thermal power plant of equivalent capacity.
Asahi Kasei continues to further advance successive measures to utilize clean energy as
part of an ongoing effort to proactively contribute to a society of clean environmental energy through our environmentally-friendly business operations.
Bemberg™ Collaborations
Bemberg™ has been integrated into the culture of countries around the world, bringing beauty to people’s lives for many years. In India, it has been used for traditional wear such as sarees and dupattas for more than 40 years. It has also collaborated with fashion brands that prioritize sustainability, showcasing examples of eco-conscious collections and designs.
In a remarkable collaboration between Bemberg™ and sustainable fashion brand Payal Pratap, a stunning collection named "JAVA" was unveiled at the Sustainable Fashion Day during Lakmé Fashion Week 2022. Payal Pratap, known for her captivating designs, drew inspiration from her early years in Indonesia, where she delved into the age-old craft of Batik and transformed it into contemporary digital prints. Showcasing the unique features of fabrics made using Bemberg™ yarn, such as their luster and color depth, the collection embraced sustainability by encompassing flora and fauna motifs, reflecting a harmonious ode to nature.
Another Bemberg™ collaboration was unveiled at the Sustainable Fashion Day during
Lakmé Fashion Week 2020 when Bemberg™ collaborated with Indian designer Hemang Agrawal for his collection named "Tattva". Tattva showcased the versatility of Bemberg™ yarn, featuring rich brocades and jacquards, as well as a variety of different fabrics. Inspired by the 12 Tattvas from Indian traditions and scriptures, the collection symbolized the harmony between universal elements. The ensembles incorporated motifs representing earth, water, fire, wind, sky, sun, moon, planets, organisms, body, mind, and spirit, skillfully woven into shimmering fabrics made using Bemberg™ yarn, including brocades and linings.
Bemberg™ positions itself as a vision of the future that embraces sustainability as a core value and a source of innovation. By choosing Bemberg™ yarn for fashion products, we would like to contribute to creating a more beautiful and responsible world for ourselves and generations to come.
